News tagged ‘Maps’

Apart from seeding the new beta of OS X Yosemite 10.10.1, the guys from Cupertino on Monday released iOS 8.1.1 to developers for testing. The update comes two weeks after the official release of iOS 8.1, which contained the support of the recently-launched mobile payments service called Apple Pay as well as some bug fixes and stability improvements.

Aside from the 4.7-inch and 5.5-inch iPhone 6, Apple has just unveiled its long-awaited wearable device called Apple Watch. According to what was said during the presentation, the smartwatch will come in three versions and two sizes and get a price tag of $349 for a basic model.

As you probably know, Apple’s maps are far from being perfect. Immediately after their first launch alongside iOS 6, a wide number of users began reporting various issues. Since that time, Apple seems to have improved its mapping service, however, there’s still a lot of things to do about it.

As you probably know, Apple's iOS 8, which was announced at Worldwide Developers Conference last week, contains a number of important enhancements. However, those who have upgraded to iOS 8 beta may have noticed that there're no updates for Apple's native Maps app. According to the latest reports, lack of updates is caused by the fact that many developers left the company in 2014.

According to 9to5Mac, Mercedes-Benz has initiated to introduce an aftermarket solution to intall Apple CarPlay on older vehicles. CarPlay is very useful for drivers, it enables iPhone users to make calls, use Maps, listen to music and access messages just touching the screen or via voice command.

We’ve confirmed that at least Mercedes-Benz is looking into aftermarket installations of CarPlay that will allow older models of vehicles to access the feature. While the company confirmed that it is trying to get an “an after-market solution for previous cars” it couldn’t confirm when the option might become available. While there is no info yet on how the aftermarket installation would work, we’d imagine it will be a dealer installed accessory for select older models like Honda and others already offer for Apple’s Siri Eyes Free feature.

Three automotive industry giants, namely, Ferrari, Mercedes-Benz and Volvo, are expected to unveil vehicles with Apple’s new iOS in the Car system on board next week. The smart system allows drivers to use Apple Maps, make calls, listen to music etc. directly from the car’s console display. Below you may take a look at the previously leaked video showing iOS in the Car beta.

iOS Developer Steven Troughton-Smith has successfully activated the iOS in the Car feature inside the iOS Simulator. iOS in the Car allows an iOS 7 users to connect their iPhones, iPads and iPods to their car’s built-in center console display to use Apple Maps, read Messages, make phone calls, and control music. References to the feature and functionality has actually been tucked into iOS 7 since the very first beta. Apple is expected to launch iOS in the Car system later this year, maybe alongside iOS 7.1. Take a look at the screenshots below:

The company from Cupertino has recently filed a patent for customizable map layers. You may say that various maps developers, like those working for Google, already use layered maps. Nevertheless, according to the patent application entitled “Interactive Map” published by United States Patent and Trademark Office on December 19th, Apple’s concept is a bit different from the existing ones.

Apple released OS X 10.9 Mavericks on Tuesday and made the new operating system free for all Mac users worldwide. If you still haven’t downloaded it, visit the Mac App Store and take advantage of the new software.